C'est la fin.

Last week I had to run out early without a wrap up of French week! Not to worry, I will wrap it up here today.

So, other than my blog posts, what did I do to make last week so french? Well, I spoke french with myself as well as with a high school friend, listened to the CBC french music radio station on 90.9 (although I only understood 1 out of 3 words), and I tried to add some flair to my outfits! Very small steps... But I have been inspired to wear more heals, and dust off a french book I have on my shelves!

So for my final post, I want to be able imagining myself living in France. In a cute apartment with Parisian flare but with modern touches too.... Where to the French really live?...well, I think I have found the perfect place.... come on in!

This lovely Parisian apartment is that of Marieke Berghuis as it was featured on Design*Sponge


So I would like to send you off with some profound, life altering thought on French Design and Style, however with my Monday mind I can only relate it back to what first inspired me to go on this week long look at France... The language... ready? Here is is my huge insight...


French Style is a lot the French language, its all about the accents!


Don't you agree?

La Mode du Rue

There is an underlying sense of sophistication in french style. I believe it is an inherent skill that all french women possess. When they sport a piece that is funky, bright, or different, they always manage to ground it and keep the look cohesive, sophisticated, and finished. More often than not they use black as their anchor, and in just the right amounts.

Via Garance Dore

Via Garance Dore



Via Facehunter

French women have also mastered the use of textures. Layering keeps the ensembles interesting and adds a supple, luxurious element.

Via The Sartorialist

Via Garance Dore

Via Garance Dore

I try to avoid wearing all black for fear of the drab factor, but these lovely ladies layer it on and come out looking fresh, not like a goth in training!

Via French Elle

Via Garance Dore

Via Facehunter

Most importantly, french women have a confidence about them - like they know some funny secret and are always ready to flirt!

Via Facehunter

Via French Elle

I mustn't forget...Shoes!! They are never an afterthought... and heals are always welcome!

Via Garance Dore

Sigh, if I only was taught how to dress french instead of the pass tense conjugation of an irregular verb....

What do you think french style is?

Paris avec mon appareil photographique

What a better place to walk around aimlessly with a camera? These ones are stunning!

Via Flickr

Via IgoUgo

Via Flickr

Via Flickr

If you don't want to get lost in the beautiful city, check out these guides!

• From the Guide Book Time Out, a comprehensive overview of the city.
• The writers of USA Today give you their opinion of what to do in Paris, with some original options!
• The wonderful Design Guide from Design*Sponge full of suggestions from all Paris Roundup contributors (see the roundup here, here, here and here)
• Or check out some wonderful blogs such as Peter's Paris (via synch-ro-nizing)or this one, or the most aptly named The Paris Blog

A-Musee Bien en Paris

France and Museums are synonymous. With a society and culture rooted in a long and storied past, having a wide variety of museums only seems fitting. Wonderfully, the buildings in which house these collections are in themselves masterpieces. Masterpieces that can be photographed and enjoyed for free! I could spend a whole day just admiring the detail on the outside...

Louvre

Via Of French

Via Photo Everywhere

Musee D'Orsay

Via Here

Musee Rodin
Via Travel Photo

France, je t'aime

I love the french language. This is a new realization, which is odd considering I was in french immersion through my entire grade school education. It was the first language I learned how to spell! A couple of weeks ago I tried to speak french, and when it didn't come easily I realized that I have lost so much of it! I couldn't believe it, I was upset, disappointed and especially sad. So, this week I am going to try to practice my french... and while I do, I thought I would explore everything beautiful that is associated with being francaise! Come along with me and explore the fine culture and beauty of France. Drawing inspiration from the Mediterranean Sea to the English Channel and the North Sea... lets soak it in!

This the the National Emblem, designed in 2007 by Jerome Blume.

To start off the week, here are some beautiful Parisian bedrooms... wouldn't it be lovely to wake up in one of these beds? I think I would wear high heels and dresses everyday if I lived in this room, but then again, I would also speak french everyday! Bien, j'ai besoin de commencer a pratiquer!

Via this is Glamorous

Marie Claire Maison via a la parisienne

Airspace Via Paris Apartment